The Belgrade Marathon is a long-distance running event held annually in the capital of Serbia. From its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the most popular marathons in the region, the Belgrade Marathon has evolved into a significant sporting and cultural event.
In addition to the full marathon, the event offers a diverse range of races catering to all ages and abilities, including a half marathon, a half marathon relay, a 10K race, a children’s marathon, and a fun run. The children’s marathon took place on April 20, 2024, at the Belgrade Zoo, while the remaining races are scheduled for Sunday, April 28, 2024.
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History
The Belgrade Marathon originated in 1988 with a 23-kilometer route and exclusively local participants. By the following year, the race expanded to 46.7 kilometers and welcomed several runners from abroad.
Over the years, the Belgrade Marathon has grown significantly in both size and prestige. In 2003, the City Assembly officially recognized its importance by declaring it an event of special significance for Belgrade.
The marathon has become a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the importance of physical activity. It has also contributed to the development of sports tourism in Belgrade, attracting visitors who come to experience the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality.
37th Belgrade Marathon Route
On April 28, 2024, Belgrade will host the 37th edition of the marathon, with a record-breaking 15,000 participants, including over 3,000 international runners from more than 70 countries.
The main race covers a distance of 42.2 kilometers and includes 13 refreshment stations. It commences at 08:00 a.m. in front of the St. Mark’s Church and ends in front of Hotel Moskva.
The exact route is as follows: the intersection of Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Resavska streets – Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra – Beogradska – Slavija – Nemanjina – Balkanska – Gavrila Principa – Brankova – Bulevar Nikole Tesle – Džona Kenedija – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Bulevar umetnosti – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Antifašističke borbe – Most na Adi – Antifašističe borbe – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Milentija Popovića – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Bulevar Nikole Tesle – Karađorđeva – Glavna – Bežanijska – Tošin bunar – Pariske komune – Bulevar Maršala Tolbuhina – Otona Župančića – Narodnih heroja – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Tošin bunar – Zemunska – Vojvođanska – Dr. Ivana Ribara – Jurija Gagarina – Dušana Vukasovića – Evropska – Gandijeva – Jurija Gagarina – Omladinskih brigada – Đorđa Stanojevića – Bulevar Crvene armije – Jurija Gagarina – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Milentija Popovića – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Brankova – Kraljice Natalije – Kneza Miloša – Kralja Milana – Terazije – Hotel Moskva.
Belgrade Half Marathon
The Belgrade Half Marathon covers a distance of 21.1 kilometers and includes 6 refreshment stations. The race starts at 09:30 a.m. on April 28, 2024, in front of St. Mark’s Church and finishes in front of Hotel Moskva.
The exact route is as follows: the intersection of streets Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Resavska – Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra – Beogradska – Slavija – Nemanjina – Balkanska – Gavrila Principa – Brankova – Bulevar Nikole Tesle – Džona Kenedija – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Bulevar umetnosti – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Antifašističke borbe – Most na Adi – Antifašističe borbe – Bulevar Milutina Milankovića – Milentija Popovića – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Brankova – Kraljice Natalije – Kneza Miloša – Kralja Milana – Terazije – Hotel Moskva.
Half Marathon Relay
The Half Marathon Relay, spanning 21.1 kilometers, is a dynamic event comprising four-member relay teams. These teams compete in two main categories: the open category and the corporate category. In both categories, relays can be composed of all-male, all-female, or mixed-gender teams, with the requirement that each team must include at least one member of the opposite sex.
The route for the Half Marathon Relay mirrors that of the individual half marathon race, with each team member completing their designated segment before passing the baton to the next runner at one of the three exchange points situated at the 5 km, 10 km, and 16.1 km marks.
The 10K Race
The 10 km race starts at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Resavska streets and runs through the following streets: Bulevar kralja Aleksandra – Beogradska – Slavija – Nemanjina – Balkanska – Gavrila Principa – Brankova – Brankov Most – Bulevar Nikola Tesla – U-turn – Bulevar Nikola Tesla – Ušće – Bulevar Mihajla Pupina – Brankov Most – Brankova – Kraljice Natalije – Kneza Miloša – Kralja Milana – Terazije – The finish line is in front of Hotel Moskva.
The Fun Run
The 2.3 km fun run is a non-competitive event, without winners or rankings. The race starts at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Takovska streets and runs through the following streets: Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra – Beogradska – Slavija Square – Kralja Milana Street. The finish line is at Terazije Square.
Belgrade Marathon Director Announces Bid to Host 2027 European Running Championships
Darko Habuš, Director of the Belgrade Marathon, has exciting news for the running community. He announced that the capital of Serbia is vying to host the 2027 European Running Championships, setting the stage for a thrilling lead-up to the Specialized EXPO scheduled to be held in the city that same year. This milestone is particularly significant as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Belgrade Marathon, promising a spectacular celebration of running and culture.
Conclusion
The 37th Belgrade Marathon promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and spirit of unity. With a record-breaking number of participants from around the world, including the exciting addition of relay races and a fun run, the marathon continues to grow in popularity and significance. As Belgrade competes to host the 2027 European Running Championships and celebrates the 40th anniversary of its marathon, the future looks bright for this iconic event. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, the Belgrade Marathon offers an experience like no other, blending sport, culture, and community in the heart of Serbia.
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